Light is what keeps a garden alive after sunset. Well placed, it reveals the shape of a tree, the texture of a stone wall and the stillness of a pool, while leaving enough darkness for the night to feel like night. Poorly placed, it flattens everything and spills into the sky. Good outdoor lighting is as much about what you leave unlit as about what you choose to illuminate.
This section treats garden and terrace lighting as a design discipline: layering, colour temperature, glare control, hidden fittings and scenes that change with the evening. We also look at the responsibilities that come with lighting outdoors, from respecting wildlife and neighbours to keeping the night sky dark. The approach throughout is calm and restrained, with light used only where it adds atmosphere, safety or beauty.
Inspiration for lighting.
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Sun Protection Outdoors: Louvred Pergolas, Awnings, Sails and Parasols
Louvred pergolas, awnings, shade sails and parasols compared: how orientation, wind, rain and fabric shape the right shade for a terrace or pool.
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Mediterranean Landscaping: Planting for Heat, Wind and Little Water
Mediterranean landscaping for heat, wind and little water: soil and drainage, gravel gardens, drought-tolerant plants, mulch and dry stone walls.
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The Smart Garden: Irrigation, Robotic Mowers and Lighting Scenes
How to plan a smart garden: zoned drip irrigation, quiet robotic mowers, lighting scenes, pool automation and a robust outdoor network with manual control.
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